What even is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
The pelvic floor muscles (PFM) consist of layers of muscles in the pelvic girdle and make up the floor of the “core”. The PFM function to support organs and help control opening/closing of the urethra/ anus/ vagina. The PFM play an important role in sexual functions and create stability in the pelvic girdle for postural control.
Pelvic Floor PT addresses common pelvic health dysfunctions such as:
Stress, urge, or mixed incontinence
Pelvic organ prolapse
Chronic pelvic pain, low back pain, tailbone pain
Diastasis Recti Abdominis (abdominal separation)
Postpartum recovery
Pregnancy and labor prep
Pubic symphysis dysfunction
Your pelvic floor physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination to identify any pelvic floor muscle impairments such as weakness, tightness, coordination problems, or lack of endurance. Other than looking at the PFM, a pelvic floor PT will also look at overall posture, movement patterns, strength, and flexibility for each individual.
Pelvic floor physical therapy helps people of all ages and genders, including children with bedwetting, women and men with incontinence, pregnant patients, new moms and dads going through postpartum recovery, those with prostate dysfunction, and people going through menopause.
Everyone has a pelvic floor! Whether you have a penis or a vagina, if you were born in "the 1900s" or if the year of your birth starts with a 2...everyone can benefit from pelvic floor therapy!
-Dr. Jermaine Ang, PT, DPT
